Child custody is a complicated and emotional process. It can be difficult to know where to begin or what you should look for in an attorney. Below are some factors that may help you decide on the best child custody law firm for your case.
1. Does the Law Firm Specialize in Child Custody?
The more specialized your attorney is, the more likely it is they will help you with your situation. An experienced child custody law firm should specialize in this area of the law and have a track record of success, whether through settlements or verdicts.
2. Is There Good Communication with the Lawyer?
Dedicated lawyers will be readily available to speak with you about your case regularly. It’s important that the lawyer listens well and provides good explanations for why they are taking certain actions during your case. If you are experiencing communication issues, consider looking for another child custody law firm.
3. What is the Lawyer’s Strategy?
The best child custody lawyers have a plan for how to move forward with your case. They will be able to explain their strategy and what they expect will happen throughout the litigation process. An experienced attorney should also understand your goals and be willing to work towards those results.
Additionally, it is important to consider whether or not the lawyer is willing to listen to your thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
4. What are the Lawyer’s Reputation and Results?
It can be helpful for you to do some research on family law lawyers before hiring one. You may find online reviews or ask friends or family members for referrals. Additionally, look at the outcomes of cases that the child custody law firm has handled similar to yours in the past.
Doing your homework now will help ensure that you end up with a good fit for both you and your child/children throughout what can be a difficult process.
5. What are the Fees and Costs?
Child custody cases can be expensive, but you shouldn’t have to pay more than you feel your case is worth. Factors that can affect attorney fees include whether or not litigation is necessary and how long the process will take. In many cases, experienced child custody law firms will offer a free consultation where you can learn about the process and discuss their fees.
6. What is the Lawyer’s Availability?
Child custody cases can be quite complicated, especially in high-conflict cases. Even if an attorney doesn’t think your situation will necessarily need to go to trial, you may still want them there for guidance and support regarding decisions outside of the courtroom. If the child custody law firm isn’t available on evenings or weekends, when conflicts pop up, they may not be able to help you with this either, meaning more time spent trying to resolve issues without their assistance.
7. How Much Experience Does the Lawyer Have?
It’s very important that you hire an attorney with significant years of experience handling similar cases like yours. You want to make sure that not only do they have the skills necessary to provide you with quality representation, but that they are familiar with judges and other parties involved in your case. An experienced child custody law firm should ideally bring a high level of expertise to your legal proceedings, which can translate into better outcomes for you.
Remember: if it doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. According to Business Insider, over 60% of divorces are between couples under the age of 40. Even if you might not have that much experience with law firms, with so many firms available, there is no reason why you can’t find one that matches all or most of these factors to help guide you through this complicated process. By following these guidelines, it will be much easier for you to set up a strong case from the very beginning to get the results you deserve.
At Bergermann Law Firm, our family law attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the highest quality representation possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family.
